LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) - U.S. Senate hopeful Alison Lundergan Grimes says she wants to increase the federal minimum wage, and says that initiative will be at the top of her agenda, if elected.

Grimes says a higher minimum wage would raise the income and spending power for thousands of Kentucky families. Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell believes a higher minimum wage would force businesses to reduce jobs.

Democratic efforts to boost the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour is seen as a long shot in Congress this year. President Obama made a push for the increase in his State of the Union speech.